Editorial: Fixing a law's flaws

Whether Florida's "stand your ground" law is malevolent, misguided or merely misunderstood, it needs repair.Fortunately, legislation that would clarify the law is gaining ground in the state Senate. House leaders should get on board with this much-needed update, rather than trying to expand the law and insert a public records purge into it.The new bill (CS/SB 130) gained unanimous support last week from the Senate's Criminal Justice Committee. The measure would not repeal the controversial law; instead it would adjust it to address some of the unintended consequences that have emerged since its passage nearly a decade ago.The law expanded the circumstances under which the use of lethal force is justified in self-defense. It removed the duty to retreat in situations when someone feels threatened.The law gained national attention after the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford. Neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman was acquitted of fatally shooting Martin, even though Zimmerman had been following the unarmed Martin before their confrontation.In response to the case, Gov. Rick Scott convened a task force that recommended some changes to the law to clarify its administration. The Legislature at first did little with the recommendations. But more deaths and more doubts emerged.The Senate bill would do much of what the task force recommended. Particularly important is a provision clarifying that law enforcement is empowered to thoroughly investigate a death despite a "stand your ground" defense. It also would clarify that third parties injured by negligent use of force aren't precluded from suing for damages.Yet the House instead is seeking to extend "stand your ground" immunity to people who fire a warning shot or threaten to use other deadly force in cases of self-defense. State Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, also filed an amendment to severely limit access to court records in "stand your ground" cases, the Tampa Bay Times reported.The Times had used those records in a 2012 investigation that found the law has been used to defend gang shootouts, drug deals and other criminal acts."Stand your ground" has created a legal muddle that appears to be harming rather than helping the cause of public safety. While it is easy to understand why people who are confronted with danger want and need the right to defend themselves, perceived threat is deeply subjective.Given that a repeal of the law is highly unlikely, it's time to at least fix some of its flaws. The Senate legislation is a step in the right direction.